Ditch your usual weekend plans and dive into something truly extraordinary! Hazendal Wine Estate in Stellenbosch is turning the traditional wine-tasting weekend on its head with its first-ever Hazendal Festival. Mark your calendar for 4–6 October, because this isn’t just about sipping wine — it’s a vibrant celebration of art, food, music, and culture, all centered around one powerful theme: soil.
Led by the visionary curator Khanyisile Mbongwa, the “Soil Edition” is inspired by the Nguni proverb “Belele nje, Abathulunga” (“They may be asleep, but they are not quiet”). The festival will explore soil as a keeper of stories, past and present, through a series of art installations, performances, and delicious food. This is your chance to experience how soil, the very foundation of life, connects us all.
Here’s what you can expect at Hazendal Festival | Soil Edition:
1. Special edition Hazendal MCC
Wine lovers and art enthusiasts can get ready to be wowed! Artist Athi-Patra Ruga, known for his vibrant, mythical creations, has designed a limited edition Hazendal MCC label that transforms your bottle into a masterpiece. Whether you’re collecting or sipping, this is a must-have for your cellar.
2. Food & wine experiences
Hazendal’s rich wine-making tradition meets contemporary culinary artistry with a home-grown dinner by celebrated Zulu chef Vusi Ndlovu, alongside Hazendal’s Head Chef Michelle Theron. Think bold flavours that connect land to plate, paired with Hazendal’s finest wines and even a vodka tasting. You’ll also be treated to a sensory journey by Queezy Babaz, an artist who fuses performance, drag, and DJ sets into one unforgettable experience.
3. Creative workshops
Ready to roll up your sleeves? Join Tapiwa Guzha, the genius behind Cape Town’s Tapi Tapi ice cream, in a hands-on workshop where food becomes a medium for deeper conversations about identity, heritage, and history. This is not your average ice cream-making class!
4. Picnic
Take a breather between events and enjoy a gourmet Hazendal picnic. Think fresh artisan breads, crisp salads, cheeses, and charcuterie — all laid out on the estate’s scenic lawns, surrounded by thought-provoking sculptures and live music. Trust us, you’ll want to book your basket early!
5. Music & dance
As the sun sets, the festival kicks into high gear. Get ready for an evening of live performances by Majozi, Zolani Mahola, and the Feminine Force, followed by a mix of Afro and deep house beats from DJs Daddy, Gontse, and Ghost Bunny. With bespoke food and drink pairings to match, this night promises to be one for the books!
But that’s just the beginning! The Hazendal Festival is packed with more art, film screenings, sculpture commissions, and even a family-friendly zone, so there’s something for everyone. Here’s a sneak peek at more can’t-miss moments:
- Film screenings: Catch a series of short films that blend fiction and reality, like Lerato Shadi’s Motlhaba Wa Re Ke Namile, which transports viewers to a timeless South African town.
- Where art meets life: From live interventions to a gallery exhibition featuring works by top South African artists like Lady Skollie and Inga Somdyala, the festival is a celebration of creativity in all its forms.
- Symposium & science: Engage in insightful discussions about land, heritage, and environmental responsibility with top scientists, academics, and cultural curators. It’s a chance to deepen your connection to the earth and walk away with fresh perspectives.
- Dance & storytelling: Don’t miss the captivating Camissa Heritage Tour, a dance performance by Luke de Kock that weaves together the stories of indigenous Cape communities. Stick around for his dance workshop during the symposium!
- For the little ones: While adults immerse themselves in cultural debates, kids can dive into their own adventures at Wonderdal, where visual artist Faatimah Mohamed-Luke will lead workshops designed to spark creativity and connection to the land.
For tickets and more details, visit Hazendal’s official website.
Hazendal launches a new Taste of the Cape food and wine pairing experience
